Can Sexting Have Benefits for Couples?

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Sexting is common among U.S. adults, and although the practice is
often portrayed as risky or just bad behavior, it may have
benefits for couples, a new study suggests.

In the study, 870 people ages 18 to 82 filled out an online
survey about sexting,
which is defined as sending or receiving sexually explicit text
messages or photos, usually with a cell phone.

Overall, 88 percent of the participants said they had sexted with
at least one person in their lifetime. About 74 percent said they
sexted when they were in a committed relationship, and 43 percent
said they sexted during a causal relationship. Only 12 percent
said they sexted with someone else, while cheating on their
partner.

What's more, sexting appeared to have some benefits: People who
sexted more had higher levels of
sexual satisfaction, the study found.

Most earlier studies on sexting have focused on the risks of the
practice, but "if sexting were only dangerous, it wouldn't be as
popular," said study researcher Emily Stasko, a doctoral
candidate in clinical psychology at Drexel University in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "We set out to look at a behavior
that can be either good or bad." [ Sexy
Tech: 6 Apps That May Stimulate Your Love Life ]

The new findings are preliminary, but studies down the road may
examine whether sexting could be used in couple's therapy to
improve communication or increase intimacy, Stasko Live Science.

On the other hand, if sexting is an indicator of relationship
problems for some couples, counselors could identify and address
those problems.

A better understanding of the role of sexting in relationships
could "help people develop the types of relationship that they
want," Stasko said.

The researchers also found that among the people in study who
were in very committed relationships, but who said their sexting
was "unwanted," meaning they agreed to engage in the practice but
didn't really want to be doing it, sexting was linked with lower
levels of relationship satisfaction.

In these cases, it's not clear if the sexting affected the
relationship, or if people were sexting in an attempt to improve
already troubled relationships, Stasko said.

Future studies will look more closely at the link between
unwanted sexting and relationship satisfaction among couples
in very committed relationships, Stasko said.

The prevalence of sexting among the people in the study may be
higher than in the general population, Stasko noted. The study
participants took an online survey about sexting, suggesting that
they may be more tech savvy or more interested in sexting than
people who aren't online.